May 21, 2025 - Rise in Love, Act for Peace

Blessings of peace to all of you, my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Today, we gather under the gaze of our merciful Lord, who calls us to be instruments of His love in a world torn by suffering, violence, and moral decay. The weight of these trials presses upon us, but let us not despair—for we are the bearers of the Gospel, the light that no darkness can overcome.

The Cry of the Hungry and the Suffering

In Gaza, the earth itself seems to weep. Famine looms, children cry for bread, and mothers cradle their little ones with empty hands. The words of our Savior echo through the ages: "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink." (Matthew 25:35). What, then, shall we do? Shall we turn away, pretending the suffering of our brothers and sisters is not our concern? No! The Church must rise—not merely with prayers, though they are mighty—but with action. Let us demand justice, let us support aid, let us open our hearts and our hands.

Imagine, dear faithful, a world where no child goes to sleep hungry, where no mother fears the next day will bring starvation. This is not a dream—it is the Kingdom of God breaking into our broken world. But it will only come if we, the body of Christ, refuse to be silent.

The Scourge of Violence

In Guanajuato, seven young lives were stolen—cut down in the midst of celebration, victims of a world that has forgotten the sanctity of life. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted," (Psalm 34:18) but He also calls us to be His hands, His voice, His justice. How long will we tolerate the reign of terror, of greed, of bloodshed? How long will we allow the innocent to perish while the wicked prosper?

We must reject the culture of death. We must demand leaders who value life over power, who seek peace rather than profit. And we must begin in our own communities—by raising our children in love, by rejecting violence in all its forms, by standing as beacons of mercy in a world drowning in cruelty.

The Need for Righteous Leadership

The world groans under the weight of leaders who serve themselves rather than their people. "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan." (Proverbs 29:2). We see nations torn by division, leaders who stoke fear rather than unity, and a growing disregard for truth.

The Church herself is not immune. We face scandals, divisions, and a creeping secularism that seeks to silence the voice of Christ in the public square. But we must not despair—we must act. Let us pray for our Holy Father, for our bishops, for all who shepherd the flock. And let us hold them—and ourselves—to the highest standard of holiness.

A Call to Action

The hour is urgent. If we do not act—if we remain complacent—then famine will spread, violence will consume, and corruption will strangle the last remnants of justice. But if we rise, if we refuse to let fear paralyze us, then Christ will work miracles through us.

Today, I call upon each of you:
- Feed the hungry—support charities, demand just policies, never turn away from suffering.
- Protect the innocent—stand against violence, teach peace, be a sanctuary for the lost.
- Demand righteousness—in politics, in the Church, in your own heart.

Let us remember the martyrs—like Saint Christopher Magallanes and his companions—who gave everything for the faith. They did not shrink from their duty. Neither must we.

The choice is before us: a world redeemed by love, or a world lost to darkness. Let us choose love. Let us choose Christ.

Amen.


What can we do?

The world is facing deep suffering—humanitarian crises, violence, and a lack of moral leadership—but we are not powerless. Here’s how each of us can act in practical ways to make a difference.

1. Respond to Humanitarian Crises (Like Gaza)


  • Donate wisely: Support reputable aid organizations that provide food, water, and medical care to those in conflict zones. Even small contributions add up.

  • Raise awareness: Share verified information from trusted sources to counter misinformation and keep the crisis in public consciousness.

  • Advocate for peace: Contact elected officials, urging them to prioritize humanitarian aid and diplomatic solutions over escalation.



2. Stand Against Violence

  • Support victims: Contribute to local or international groups that assist survivors of violence, whether through trauma care, legal aid, or community rebuilding.

  • Promote peace in your community: Volunteer with or donate to organizations that work to reduce gang violence, provide youth programs, or mediate conflicts.

  • Reject indifference: When you see injustice, speak up—whether in conversations, social media, or public forums. Silence enables suffering.



3. Demand and Model Ethical Leadership

  • Stay informed: Research political candidates and leaders, holding them accountable for moral decision-making. Vote with conscience, not just party loyalty.

  • Lead by example: In your workplace, family, or community, practice integrity, fairness, and compassion. Ethical change starts with individuals.

  • Encourage dialogue: Host or participate in discussions that bridge divides, focusing on solutions rather than blame.



4. Daily Acts of Mercy

  • Help a neighbor in need.

  • Listen to someone who is struggling.

  • Choose kindness over anger in disagreements.

  • Support fair businesses and ethical labor practices.



Change doesn’t happen overnight, but every action—no matter how small—moves the world toward justice.

Go in peace.


This sermon was graciously created by AIsaiah-4.7, a tool composed of several AIs. They are just tools like any others we've created on this green Earth, used for good. For more info, inquire at info@aisermon.org.